Traders hit by traffic closure

Shopkeepers on a main road through the centre of Swansea say trade has been badly hit since it was closed to traffic due to an unsafe building.

Vehicles were stopped from travelling along High Street on Monday.

Traders in the street's arcade said they were missing out on passing custom and some people seemed to think the shops had closed when they were open.

Swansea council said it was working with the building's owner to reopen the street as soon as possible.

Marion Quinn who runs a tailoring business in the High Street Arcade said: "It's very quiet.

"Some of our regular customers have been phoning to ask if we are still open.

"We've not heard a word about when the road will open to traffic - there does not seem to be anyone working on the building."

Fellow trader Lil Saunders said: "Whenever the traffic news comes on it says High Street is closed, never that the shops are still open.

"We are not aware about how long its going to be closed to traffic.

"Is it going to go on for another day, another week, another two weeks?"

Swansea council said there were worries that the building in question could collapse.

Building inspectors became concerned after noticing large cracks in the structure halfway along High Street, between the Argos store and the railway station.

Traffic and bus services have been diverted around nearby streets.

Vehicles heading northbound are being told to go through College Street, Belle Vue Way and Alexandra Road, while those heading south are being diverted along Alexandra Road, Orchard Street and College Street.

A council spokesman said: "Council building inspectors are continuing to work with the property owner to ensure the building is safe so we can open up High Street to traffic as soon as possible."

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